he shining of the sapphire set necklace resting on her neck
The clink of silverware in a quiet room
The soft sound of wine being poured
But otherwise, there is silence.

A look is stronger than any number of words
And if that is so then the expressions of the people at this table speak volumes
A silent glare falls on the bride-to-be from the mother of her groom
A small girl dressed in white giggles as a dog runs around her feet

Two men try to make polite conversation as their wives silently judge each others children
The bride smiles happily at her soon-to-be husband
And he smiles back nervously
The shine of the ring on the bride's finger reminds them all of what is to be
But the jewel around her neck a mystery of the past.

The clunk of the large doors opening brings the attention to an unexpected guest
Terror is shown in the expression of the bride
The groom does not know who this is
No one knows what is happening but-

The sapphire necklace, still shining, lays broken on the floor
The bride sits in tears, her dress ripped and the ring taken from her finger
She is alone in the room
As she has always been alone.
In the room.
And in life.